The Anchor

Some days hope seems like an elusive dream that you can't quite grasp. The overwhelming darkness engulfs you and every breath takes effort you aren't sure you have.

Hebrews 6:19 tells us that we have a firm and secure anchor in Jesus. We cling to that when the way is uncertain and we can't understand why we're on this path at all.

Faith strengthens us, giving us a firm anchor in turbulent times. Cling to the promises of Jesus. He who calms the storm will hold you close, no matter what you face. He won't let you go. When everything around you is uncertain, hold on tightly to that.

The Cross

I'm not sure when I first started wearing a cross everyday. I've done it for so very many years that it's almost a habit. It's just part of who I am.

I suppose some would say it's a statement. I wear a cross so that others will know that I belong to Jesus Christ. I want others to realize what He did for me and for them, if they'll accept His gift.

The truth isn't so selfless. I wear a cross to remind me that He is with me always. I know. I really don't need the reminder. I know He's there, whether I feel His Presence or not. But on tough days I reach frequently to finger the small, silver cross I usually wear. It quells the panic, stems the unease, reminds me that there is nothing that will happen that He can't and won't handle for me.

The Cross is a constant reminder that I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me enough to die for me. There is a peace and comfort in that no matter what the day might bring.

And the First Will Be Last

He always wants to be first. It doesn't matter what it is. He wants to be fed first, to go out the door first, to come in the door first, to get a treat first. He is the youngest and, by far, the smallest. His attitude more than makes up for both.

Though he has reached the age of 18 months, he remains a puppy. Well, at least when it comes to destruction. Baby gates abound. One day he got impatient as I reached to move a baby gate. In his attempt to be ready to dart through the opening, he managed to knock another baby gate down. It landed on top of him. He panicked and, rather than wait for help, frantically tried to get from under it. That caused him to run into the very scary vacuum cleaner, toppling it to the floor and sending parts of it everywhere. 

His brother and sister scrambled up the stairs. I could only watch the destruction unfold. He finally freed himself and almost knocked me down as he rushed to safety. 

After I got him calmed down and after I stopped laughing, I told him Jesus' parable about the workers in the vineyard.  I reminded him that Jesus said, "The last will be first, and the first will be last."  When you insist on pushing forward to be first realize that, sooner or later, you're going to be last.

Be Kind

We get so caught up sometimes in what we don't have. We lament all that is wrong with our nation and our world. We become so focused on the ugliness paraded before us that we miss the beauty of God's creation.

I have given up trying to predict my days. Life has a way of spiraling out of control at a moment's notice. But no matter what I face, God is with me. He knows what to do. He provides me with wisdom and help and all that I need.

I don't have to ride the roller coaster of life in this fallen world. I can start where I am, living for Him each day. I can be kind. I can lend a helping hand. I can refuse to judge, trusting that to God. I can love people where they are and pray that they will love me as I am.

When you need guidance, ask God. When you're tempted to act out in anger or bitterness, pray through it instead. And when you don't know what to do, be kind to yourself and to others. Love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) Wise words to remember in these trying times.

Bless Our Home

The figs are ripening. I have begun the annual ritual of fighting both birds and ants for the sweet treats. Most of the time, I don't really mind.

I am regularly asked why I stay on the farm, where the work never ends and the responsibilities seem endless. It's my home, I always say. The truth is far more complicated.

The fig tree belonged to my Dad. During fig season, he devoured the fruit. He was willing to share. I wasn't willing to take even a small amount of something he loved so much.

When I look at the fig tree, I still see my Dad standing beside it eating figs one after another. That's a memory I treasure. I care for my Mother's wisteria because she asked me repeatedly to take care of it after she was gone. The memories comfort and soothe my heart.

I know. The memories are within me and I don't have to be here to have them. One day I may say goodbye and find something smaller, something with less land and fewer stairs. But not today. Right now I cherish the memories and understand something the experts have yet to learn: grief lingers long after others have moved on.

True Beauty

True beauty is found in the simple things, like beautiful flowers spilling out of an old chair. It's found in the soothing rain covering the parched earth. Or the birds singing joyously in the early morning quietness.

We spend so much of our time trying to fill ourselves up with man-made things. We look constantly at our phones and miss the sunset. We are so focused on work that we miss sharing a laugh with those we love.

True beauty isn't manufactured with paint and style. It doesn't come from a bank account or accolades from the world. We find true beauty in the peace that faith brings.

Take a moment to breath deeply and open your eyes to really see. God's world is just so beautiful. Let go of the stress. Just rest for a moment. Blessings abound. We only need to see.

Love Passionately

I wonder what would happen if Christians loved as passionately as they hate? I wonder what would happen if Christians extended mercy and grace as quickly as they extend judgement?

We're quick to think we know all the answers. We're quick to tell others what they're doing wrong. We're quick to wag our pointed fingers down at others.

Jesus told us to love people. He didn't say to wait until they're "good enough" or doing our will. He just said to love them. Why do we find that so very hard to do?